Charming Photos and Uplifting Writings

Archive for the ‘Emotions’ Category

Windows open, cool breeze, warm temperatures, and almost smell the season of spring that’s in the air. A time when inspiration comes to life to organize, clean, and possibility start new projects. I enjoy feeling that incentive to open the windows, to go outside, and ideas begin to flow. Plans are made for summer vacations, get-together with friends and family, and schedules become filled with positive plans.

The outside becomes revitalized from the cold winter that kept me indoors. It can become a time for new beginnings. I feel rejuvenated and young to enjoy the park with my grand-kids, to walk around the lake, and freedom from the heavy coats and sweaters.

At times, it may be easy to restore some furniture, refresh the paint in a room, but it can be harder to uplift the spirit when ideas did not materialize as planned or some changes came with unplanned confusion or disappointments.

I think there are times in life, like the changing of the seasons to let go and start again. To establish new goals, toss out the old ideas, and begin again. It’s a project like any other; it takes time and effort. I think about goals that were previously established and not achieved, but like spring, it’s time to let go and begin again. Let go of the regrets, let go of the cold thoughts, let go of the heavy worries, and spring forward to a new beginning!

New Beginnings

Bursting through the soil,
Reaching for the sunlight,
Flowing in the breezed,
Buds and blooms begin again.

Fresh colors of rainbows,
Fragrances to stimulate,
Buzzing sounds to gather,
The outside comes to life.

With the changes in technology, I too have learned how to send a text, check my email on the phone, take pictures and post on social networks, but I have realized my expectations lack anticipation. I have lost that romantic era of letter writing and the connection with my feelings, hopes, and dreams as I long for a response. Those days when I would record in a journal how my heart longs, the days seem endless, and my observations of my surroundings.

There was a time when I was told “Patience is a Virtue,” that it had meaning. I was encouraged to learn to be patient, to maintain steady perseverance, a quality to suppress restlessness without complaint. It would become goodness, an admirable quality that would enhance my life and character.

Excuses I would like to list, blame I can place on broad, general categories, but the truth of the matter, I have to take responsibility with change, to accept new things that can benefit and hold onto the building stepping-stones of the process that got me this far.

My grandson turned 10 years old this month, and I have enjoyed sharing with him each year we celebrate. This year he expressed that he was growing up and felt he had out-grown a few things. There are things we out grow, but virtues, morals, and patience should not be on that list. Those ingredients have become the stepping-stones that assisted, encouraged, and offered guidance to the technology we so much enjoy today. That anticipation to build a better tomorrow depends on those virtues of yesterday being used.

I was once told that when someone beholds and acquires patience, then that person will learn to observe, learn to expand new information, and share a sense of calmness, peacefulness to others which gives some stability to one’s community.

Yes, I will admit, I like the convenience of an instant response to my questions when I text, but I also miss those moments when I would day-dream while I waited and came up with new, creative ideas to keep me busy! Those innovative moments when ideas became gifts for others on their birthday, gifts that benefited a loved one and expanded my horizons in crafts, photography and writing!

The passing of Valentine’s Day, cupid has come and gone; now it’s the next day, week, or the month after. For some the seed of affection, admiration, and fondness has been planted, and yet, for others it may be disappointment, anger, resentment that has been sowed. Some turn to the published articles of quick fixes for hope and others share the power of prayer and ask you to believe in what you cannot see.

What may work for some, may not work for others. I have been told that on many occasions. At this time, love is not in the cards for me, that too, I have been told. It will come when it is time, be patient, and again I have heard that comment. I have read famous quotes, seen inspirational works of blogs, articles and books on fixing the heart. I will admit, it’s a desire or wish that each person find comfort, joy and/or confirmation when it comes to matters of the heart.

I have witnessed too many times the seed of anger from a broken heart; grow into an emotional tornado of hatred, attacking both the guilty and the innocent. If no one has seen, just sit on the back row while a session of divorce court is being heard. Step out into the hallway and see the harden faces of the extended family. Most times, there are children involved, and that seed of anger and hatred is planted into the soft tissue of innocence of the heart.

Then I have witnessed as the clock ticks, time passes, there are moves, remarriage, and changes to ignore, but that poison of hatred can linger. I’ve been told by some; I can forgive, but will not forget. I have heard others dwell on the desire to live, to see what that other person will get what’s coming. Oh, how our society wants to see revenge, payment, justification.

I step back and realize I no longer know the person I offered assistance, suggested items to read of quick fixes, or told I would keep in my prayers. I have watched and observed, and it has scared me at times to see others become, I mean act and behave like that they protested against…they became what they hated. That poison had taken control, they are now under the influence, and most don’t see it. I have looked into the reflection of myself and realized I don’t like what I have allowed to influence me under that power of hatred.

I have experienced those elements of life that can plant the seed of both, love or hate, and I still from experience have no answers. From some, I have heard to walk away, but I think it’s more of focusing on who I want to be versus who I am. The invitation is offered to join me on that quest of a heart filled with love, happiness, and joy, but as I move forward on that “bucket list” of fulfillment, some decline the invitation.

If there is any truth of famous quotes or biblical messages, then it’s the reality of accepting yourself, knowing yourself, and bettering yourself to fight the poison of hatred. I have been told you cannot change others, but you can change yourself. From experience, that’s one lesson I agree with. If I believe in the power of LOVE, then I welcome the fact, the heart wants what the heart wants and I don’t believe it wants the seeds of resentment, anguish, misery, and especially hatred. The one message I truly believe that is conveyed from any religion of choice is LOVE.

That search for the enchanting, endearing, enthralling, and captivating romance with hopes that a sparkle will grow into a blaze for a lifetime. There are folks that share they were blessed to share a lifetime with someone they call a “soul mate” and others allow their heart to become bitter-sweet to the idea of finding that “one”.

Some retailers report that Valentine’s Day is the highest for flowers, chocolate and jewelry. Yet, statistics show a rise in the divorce rate and you don’t hear of too many Couple Counselors being unemployed. So, what is the real picture when it comes to Love?

I have been told that the three basic ingredients for a failed relation are financial, communication, and sex. So, then is the question that if no arguments over money issues, open communication that supports growth, and companionship of affection are there, then will these essential ingredients provide a life long romance with that special someone?

Valentine’s Day can bring out the best in some, and depression in others. Sometimes, one needs to broaden their recognition of love to not one, but including many of family and friends that surround. Counting those memorable moments when love was shared by giving and receiving support, encouragement, and laughter.

In my opinion, that once in a lifetime, romantic, unforgettable love that we give credit to cupid generally happens in the books I read, or the movies I watch. I will say, there have been those moments of the gaze, the flutter of the heart, and pounding of desire that have misguided me down the road of lust, and been convincing in that moment of instant gratification, “I’m in-love”.
So, again…What is Love?

I have been taught, Love is patient…patient enough to support, defend, and hold someone’s hand through troubles. I have been taught Love is kind…kind enough to sacrifice their last dime for your needs. Love doesn’t envy…doesn’t show discontent to one’s talents, passions, dreams or achievements. Love will not boast…does not show excessive pride that they’re better than others. I have been taught that Love is not rude…doesn’t become discourteous or harsh to build their own self-esteem or remain self-seeking in their desires for pleasure. Yes, I have been taught that Love is truth…it will always protect, rejoice in truth, provide hope and always persevere. I have been taught…Love; it’s a gift, the greatest of hope, faith and love.

So, blessings to all who still remain on that quest with your faith and hope that the gift of Love will be received. May God’s graces be provided and fulfill your quest. I may not have that greatest novel romance, but I have the Love that can be treasured, thanks to my family and friends!

The wonderful thing about creativity is I am always learning. Learning something new is insightful, but it’s also motivational to move forward and follow my dreams. New knowledge can create a different perceptive on problem solving. Then I feel better about myself, smile more, and seem to enjoy others around me.

Cycles of situations, the trails of influence, the cause and effect moments; I can choose to dwell on the emptiness of what I don’t have or the fullness of what I can use as resources. It is a marvelous thing when you think about it, choice, but it can be hard to obtain at times. Sometimes, allowing the influences of others can sneak up on you. Before you know it, you identify with their misery that they are comfortable with sharing, voicing, and pointing out the negative, the emptiness of their lives, the lack of desire, and unwillingness to care. I have been told to walk away, but what if it’s family, close friends, or your children?

I don’t have the answers, but what works with me, holding onto what’s true in my heart, my desires, and my dreams. Taking the time to see a young child smile, listen to their giggles, and share in their world of laughter. Walks to breathe in the fresh air, take in my surroundings, and collect my thoughts. A book that allows me to relax, take an adventure, or an uplifting article to read. Carrying my camera as I walk, run errands, to photograph something that’s an eye-catching scene or moment. But most of all, one thing that can be inspiring and help me keep a positive attitude; learning something new.

I appreciate and enjoy the opportunity to sign up for some free classes offered at my local community college, and when I leave, I feel inspired to share what I have learned, use what I have learned, and I discover that new ideas are creating in my thoughts. I am uplifted by the inspiration and the imagination.

In my opinion, welcoming something new, change, or a challenge it feeds into that cycle of situations, trails of influence, and the cause and effect moments; so, I can make better choices, which allow me, to concentrate on the fullness of what’s available, and use what’s around as resources to living abundantly on my journey.

There’s no bright sunlight today, just cloud cover, but the temperature is pleasant. It’s like any day; there is something I can find that’s uninspiring, an excuse to complain about, and to be miserable. Or, there is always something I can find that inspires me to move on. I have that choice!

Some choices are rewarding, and some we need to learn from as we grow. During a conversation, someone discussed with me an issue of importance to them. The drug and alcohol abuse among many Americans, both young and old. During the conversation, this person mentioned that recovery can take place once someone has reached rock bottom. One must lose what they view as valuable, important, and needed to live on. They must accept that they have to take responsibility for their actions. They have to let go of the blame, in order to make a change. The question was raised, “What if someone is only centered on themselves? What they have achieved has become dispensable, and they have lost conscience of the importance of family members, friends, and even their values? What is their rock bottom?”

Some of those same questions can address many within this country as we all struggle to move on during this recovery time from our recession. To rebuild from an economy that headed for rock bottom. To let go of the blame we gained from a bruised self-esteem. I have asked myself the same questions of what is essential, necessary, and indispensable to me as I too, struggle with unemployment in a rural area searching for employment. I have had to let go of the blame, the excuses, and take responsibility to move forward. It’s my choice, it’s inspiring, and essential for me to grow and become a better person.

During President Obama’s State of the Union address, I read and listened to many comments both televised and on social networks, and will say in my opinion, we have lost our ability to uphold the dignity and respect for others and ourselves. No matter what my opinions or views are about philosophy, economics, political, or religious, I deserve respect for my achievements as a person, mother, wife, photographer, writer, and whatever I have striven to accomplish to better myself and fulfill my dreams and so do you and even the President.

In my opinion, some key points he laid out in his vision for America; that it will take hard work and responsibility from each, I fully support. Where each person does his/her fair share, and where each person is held accountable for his/her actions. That vision is exactly what President Kennedy asked during his Inaugural Address, “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Have we become a country of so many that run from responsibility, hide under alcohol and drug abuse, to expect handouts and others to correct the situation? Have we become a nation of complainers, which we will hide behind the First Amendment to voice our ignorance? Have we lost the ability to respect ourselves and others?

No matter what struggles I may face, I continue to respect that President Obama is the President, he has worked hard and achieved that title. I may or may not agree with all he has to say or his decisions, but as an American, I owe him my respect. I owe it to myself to offer respect to others with dignity.

I truly believe, getting back to the basic values to respect others, to work hard, and guard each man’s dignity is essential to our growth for America.

Dignity: bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation. Nobility or elevation of character; worthiness: dignity of sentiments. Elevated rank, office, station, etc. Relative standing; rank. A sign or token of respect:Respect: esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability. Deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment

The misty fog can offer a welcoming surprise in the clearing. I know I feel like I’m in the fog, at times, with creative ideas. My thoughts become stumped while writing, and then it comes to me. Life has its moments when situations seem muddled, lacking answers and directions, and then with faith and hope, the fog lifts, and I’m able to see a path, a strategy that can lead me towards my dreams.

I have traveled early in the mornings, and late in the evenings when fog sets in, headlights just bouncing back from the fog, blinding me to see the following curve. I have to slow my speed down and keep my attention closer to the front area of my hood and edge of the road. Like my life, there are times I have to focus more on me, my surroundings and take my time before making some serious decisions.

But it’s those times coming out of the fog and what I am able to see. Like a picture, captured with surrounding fog, it gives it something unique, life becomes unique surrounded in the fog. I’ve noticed that when I’m hiking in the fog my other senses become more sensitive and aware, I hear more of nature and I notice more around me while feeling the gentleness of the mist. I know I appreciate those sunny, bright moments, but sometimes I don’t slow down enough to take in my surrounding. Yes, I enjoy seeing the blue of the sky, experiencing the warmth of the sun, and I am able to see further while driving, but traveling through the fog can become a unique experience that adds gratification, suspense, and reward.

A Change in the Scenery

Devoted to the challenge,
Striving for the best,
Aware of the improvements,
Changes are necessary.

Stumbles in the dark,
Puzzle pieces are missing,
Lack of light to see,
Frustration comes with change.